Genarlow Wilson freed

News

Genarlow Wilson freed

This photo gallery contains a timeline of events in the Genarlow Wilson teen sex case.

Genarlow Wilson, the Douglas County man who had been serving a controversial 10-year sentence for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17, was released from the Al Burruss Correctional Training Facility in Monroe County, on Friday afternoon. Here he exits the facility, flanked by two prison guards.

Waiting for Wilson as he was released were his mother, Juannessa Bennett, and his sister, Jiaya Bennett.

"It feels great" to be free, Wilson said.

Wilson had served two years and eight months of a 10-year sentence.

Wilson, along with his mother, sister and attorney, B.J. Bernstein pose together during the press conference outside the prison.

Wilson greets a throng of media outside the prison.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears asks a question during the July 20 hearing in the Genarlow Wilson case. Justices heard arguments for and against the release of the Douglas County man serving 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex as a teenager.

Douglas County District Attorney David McDade argues the Wilson case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

B.J. Bernstein, Wilson's lawyer, argues before the Georgia Supreme Court in July.

Juannessa Bennett, Wilson's mother, talks to reporters after the state Supreme Court hearing. At right, Wilson's sister Jiaya Bennett gets a hug from his lawyer, B.J. Bernstein.

Juannessa Bennett, smiles at Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) as her daughter Jiaya watches after the state Supreme Court hearing. At left is Sen. Kasim Reed (D-Atlanta).

Misty Shell of Covington sits in the front row during a rally in support of Wilson at the Douglas County Courthouse.

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker conducts a news conference to discuss his office's response to the Wilson case at the State Judicial Building on June 14. "I'm not going to worry about the motivations of people attacking me. ... My job is to enforce the laws of this state, " Baker said.

Juannessa Bennett, Wilson's mother, leads a protest march July 14 in Douglasville as Gerald Rose leads others in chants for the Wilson's release. Several thousands protesters showed up for the march and rally.

Juannessa Bennett and daughter Jaiya are comforted by the Rev. Al Sharpton during a July 5 rally at the Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville to support her son.

Shukriya Thorne bows her head in prayer during a rally June 14 at the Georgia state Capitol in support of Wilson's release. Organizers of the rally wanted the state to reconsider its appeal of Wilson's sentence being overturned. "I'm here in support of what's going on, " Thorne said.

Genarlow Wilson poses in the yard of the Burrus Correctional Training Center.

Wilson in a high school photo.

1/18

Genarlow Wilson, the Douglas County man who had been serving a controversial 10-year sentence for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17, was released from the Al Burruss Correctional Training Facility in Monroe County, on Friday afternoon. Here he exits the facility, flanked by two prison guards.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Tri-Cities, Alexander

Photos: Alexander defeats defending champ Tri-Cities in semifinals

river ridge, creekview

Photos: Creekview defeats River Ridge to advance to state championship game

GHSA Class 5A Boy’s State Basketball semi finals

Photos: 3-pointer helps Woodward end Gainesville’s perfect season

Greening of Forsyth Park Fountain

PHOTOS: Greening of the Fountain

More Galleries

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

Ice storm warning

PHOTOS: Scenes from icy winter storm in Metro Atlanta

As storm inches closer to Georgia, metro Atlanta braces for ice threat

PHOTOS: Georgia readies for incoming ice storm

01202026 day of protests

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta ICE protest join national effort